Now far be it for me to suggest another method but y'all know me.
Can't keep still when I should maybe just say nothing. :-)

When I check/adjust the stem bearings (we call them head race bearings in
the UK) I use the fingertip method.
What is involved in this is as follows;

-Take off the plastic cover from the top triple-tree (or yoke for us
Anglics).
-Loosen off the stem nut.
-Loosen off the handlebars, the handlebar clamp bolts and the fork clamp
bolts on the top triple-tree (I'm speaking 'Mercun today).
-Now, have someone sit on the pillion seat.

-Squat in front of the bike and take the front of the wheel rim between your
fingertips. Right finger tips on one side, left on the other.
-Move the wheel side to side, lock to lock, SLOWLY, using only your finger
tips.
-Shout at the pillion to sit still :-)
-Do it again.
-If you feel any binding anywhere or a notch in the central position then
the bearing is too tight.
-Check that none of the cables/hoses are binding or catching.
-If it's too tight, slacken off the ring nut (anti-clockwise) the width of
one notch and test again.
-Repeat until there is no binding or notch.

-Now, tighten the stem nut.
-Then tighten the fork clamp bolts on the triple-tree.
-As a check that it's not too loose, grab both lower fork legs by the axle
and with the wheel centred, pull and push.
-If there is any movement you will feel it and it means the bearing is too
loose.
-If loose, loosen the stem nut, then the fork clamp bolts and tighten the
ring nut a bit.
-You should be able to move the bars from lock to lock with one fingertip
pushing on a bar end weight.
-When satisfied, the Pillion can get off, tighten everything up and go for a
test ride.

If you cannot find a spot where you have no notch or binding or looseness
then the bearings are shot and need to be replaced.

This method works for me but it can be difficult to get the "feel" until
someone has shown you how. I was shown by a friend and once he'd
demonstrated it, it all made sense. If you need more help with this, do ask.

The reason you will feel these bindings & notches is that you are using the
length of the forks (for the looseness) and the radius of the wheel (for the
binding/notch) as an amplifier.
A small amount of friction or a tiny notch at the bearing translates to
something you can feel at the wheel rim.
You will need to be sure that your wheel bearings are OK before you do any
of this as FUBAR wheel bearings will feel like the Grand Canyon is in the
head race bearings. <LOL>

I'll shut up now. ;-)

George "Boomer" Garratt
Wickford, Essex, UK
http://www.gtr1000.com